Pennsylvania Employment Law Updates

December 2015

November 2015

November 5 – Governor Wolf signs a bill removing an exemption to the state’s harassment laws for labor disputes

On November 5, 2015, Governor Wolf signed a bill removing an exemption for labor disputes from the state’s harassment and stalking laws. Previously, the law allowed harassment, stalking, and threats to use weapons of mass destruction when they occurred during a labor dispute (yes, you read that right – threats to use weapons of mass destruction). With this new bill, the law now prohibits all employees and employers from engaging in any form of harassment, stalking, or threat to use weapons of mass destruction at all times.

This change will take effect on January 5, 2015 (60 days after the bill was signed by the governor).

October 2015

September 2015

August 2015

August 3 – Pittsburgh’s city counsel passes an ordinance that would require most employers to provide employees paid sick leave

On August 13, 2015, the Mayor of Pittsburgh signed an ordinance passed by the city council would require most employers to provide employees with paid sick leave. Under the new ordinance, employers would be required to allow employees to accrued at least 1 hour of sick leave for every 35 hours worked. Employers with 15 or more employees must allow employees to accrued at least 40 hours of sick leave per year; employers with fewer than 15 employees must allow employees to accrue at least 24 hours of sick leave per year. Other obligations and limitations will apply.

Pittsburgh’s sick leave ordinance will go into effect 90 days after the city publishes regulations and model notices.